10 best and worst states for working dads

With Father's Day just around the corner, it's a good time for working dads to be proud of all they do for their families. But are they in an environment that allows them to care for themselves? 

Across the U.S., 94% of married fathers work, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. To see where they stand the best chance of work-life balance, WalletHub analyzed all 50 states and the District of Columbia using 21 indicators to reveal which ones were the friendliest toward working dads — and which ones leave a lot to be desired. Categories like average length of a workday, parental leave policies, child care costs and the health of the male population factored into each state's score.

"Working dads have to worry about much more than just how much income they're bringing home to support their kids," says Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub. "They also have to make sure that their children's child care and education are adequate, their health is properly looked after, they get enough quality time with their father, and [dads have to] maintain their own physical and mental health."

Read more:  Why paternity leave is a must-have benefit for dads

While working dads can seek out organizations that offer benefits and policies that support a healthy work-life balance, some states have already set them up for success. Massachusetts came in at number one, with a low unemployment rate, a low poverty rate and the highest parental leave score of all the states. The District of Columbia came in second thanks to a high income average and the highest population of men in good health. Connecticut came in third, boasting a great school system and access to accredited child care centers. 

No matter where they live, Happe encourages working fathers to communicate with their employers about their needs, and what will allow them to be more successful both at work and at home. By proposing actionable solutions such as child care support, financial planning resources and paid time off, dads can promote a workplace culture that values families, she says.

"Advocating for parental support from employers is not just about seeking perks; it's about fostering a workplace culture that values and accommodates the realities of modern fatherhood," she says. "This benefits individual families and enhances the overall workplace environment, driving employee satisfaction, retention and productivity."

Read more:  PwC's parental leave benefit is equally used by moms and dads — here's how

Here are the 10 worst and best states for working dads, scored out of 100 points.